Blended Scotch Whisky 41 Year Old 1978 (cask 3) - The Artful Dodger vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Blended Scotch Whisky 41 Year Old 1978 (cask 3) - The Artful DodgerLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryArtful DodgerLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV49.4%56.5%
Age41 yr12 yr
Price£182.66£250
Rating5.00/5

Blended Scotch Whisky 41 Year Old 1978 (cask 3) - The Artful Dodger

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

Blended Scotch Whisky 41 Year Old 1978 (cask 3) - The Artful Dodger

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Blended Scotch Whisky 41 Year Old 1978 (cask 3) - The Artful Dodger is better value at £183 vs £250.

For beginners: Blended Scotch Whisky 41 Year Old 1978 (cask 3) - The Artful Dodger is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Blended Scotch Whisky 41 Year Old 1978 (cask 3) - The Artful Dodger

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£182.66 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (41 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £182.66)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Blended?

Blended Scotch Whisky 41 Year Old 1978 (cask 3) - The Artful Dodger suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Tasting notes

Only Blended Scotch Whisky 41 Year Old 1978 (cask 3) - The Artful Dodger

Old WoodSherriedVanillaHoneyToasted

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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